Jagex, the creators of the highly popular massively multiplayer online role playing game RuneScape, has announced that they have introduced "Bonds" into the online fantasy world. Bonds will allow players to trade in-game effort for benefits, like their membership cost.

The Bonds will give players the ability to access all premium content, which previously required a premium membership (subscription), through the the in-game wealth they amass from being dedicated players. The Bonds can also be gifted to friends or fellow clan members anywhere in the world.

This update is a firm step in that direction," said Phil Mansell, Executive Producer of RuneScape. "Many players will have accrued a small fortune's worth of GP and valuable items in-game over their years of playing RuneScape. By introducing Bonds, millions of dedicated players will now have the choice to fund their membership and other services for free through the exchange of in-game wealth for Bonds."

They state that the launch of Bonds will (hopefully) eliminate gold farming by "flipping the balance entirely to free trading within and by the community."

Players can also purchase Bond for $5, £3 or €4.25 each, they are only redeemable in the game, and can be exchanged for 14 days of play time, 8 Squeal of Fortune spins or 160 RuinCoins. If you have multiple Bonds, you can also use them for RuneFest tickets.